Tucabia run chase plan

GI Hotel Tucabia-Copmanhurst captain Damien Rouse remains upbeat his team can go close to hauling in South Services first innings total at Ellem Oval today.

Thanks to a brilliant 129no from South number9 batsman Stuart Jonker, South set Tucabia an imposing target of 288.

After having South at 8-147, Jonker's thunderous innings completely changed the game.

Tucabia must have felt like fisherman who let a big catch, or in this case match, slip through their fingers.

"We'll need and innings and a half, we have to bat very well," Rouse admitted. "We were in the box seat last week then Stuart cut loose.

"I didn't think we bowled badly it was just he batted very well and all credit to him."

Rouse said the players were not down-hearted after Jonker's onslaught.

"We had a few beers after the game and chatted about what had happened," he said. "They realised it was a freakish innings and it let the show get away from us.

"But we're going in with the same game plan. We're a side that potentially has a very good batting line up and given everything being equal, the right temperament and dedication and conditions to suit, I think we can give it a real shake."

A lot of responsibility will fall on the shoulders of the top order.

Openers Greg Watkins and Graham Egan will need to give the team a good start.

Watkins is 4no.

"Somone in top order has to stick around and set a platform," Rouse said. "That's really important.

"Hopefully they can get on top of the attack early and have a bit of luck."

Former captain Matt Pigg answered an SOS from Rouse last week to return to the side after Matt Blanch was diagnosed with a broken thumb.

Pigg is expected to bat at number 5 and provide stability to the middle order.

South have a very balanced attack. Experienced Jason Thompson, Ryan Lynch, Zac Page and Jonker are all capable of taking wickets.